Earlier on Wednesday the Ligue 1 champions' director general Jean-Claude Blanc cryptically announced that les Parisiens were in talks "with a great player", prompting speculation that they had made a late move to sign striker.

And PSG's new coach has now confirmed their move for the 26-year-old, blowing the race for the Uruguay international wide open, with Real Madrid and Chelsea previously thought to be favourites for his signature.

He told reporters: "I love Cavani, yes we are interested."

Representatives from the Ligue 1 giants were on Wednesday present at an appeal against the French Football Federation's (FFF) to impose a suspended three-point penalty upon the club in relation to an incident involving sporting director Leonardo.

The Brazilian was notable by his absence, though, but Blanc explained that the former AC Milan attacker was busy "negotiating with a great player", who is believed to be Real Madrid and Chelsea target Cavani.

Meanwhile, in a further boost for PSG, Blanc has revealed that he is supremely confident that Thiago Silva will still be at the Parc des Princes next season.

"My position is identical to that of President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi," the ex-France defender declared. "I had Thiago Silva on the phone yesterday [Tuesday] after and I can tell you that he feels Parisien now."

Silva only joined PSG from Milan last summer but Barcelona have reportedly identified the centre-half as one of their primary transfer targets.